Exploring the Waikiki Aquarium: A Must-Visit Attraction in Honolulu
The beaches tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to top attractions in Waikiki but the Waikiki Aquarium is also worth your time. Located along the waterfront, it displays 500 different species among more than 3,500 animals. While snorkeling and diving are popular activities, if you want to see a wide range of marine life all in one place, this is where you’ll want to go.
Living and working right here in the Waikiki neighborhood, I often share local insight with our hotel guests at First Cabin International, and the Waikiki Aquarium is always on my list among the top spots to explore. It’s the perfect thing to do when rain showers hit, a time when many visitors ask, “Are there any indoor attractions in Waikiki?” Although the focus here is definitely the outdoors with so much exotic tropical beauty, you’re sure to enjoy the city’s aquarium.
Get the most out of your visit by considering my guide as the best advice from your own personal concierge, for use before and during your Waikiki trip.
What is the Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu?
The Waikiki Aquarium, part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, was established in 1904. Built right next to a living coral reef along the shore, today it’s the country’s second-oldest still-active public aquarium. A visit provides the opportunity to get an up close and personal look at unique and endangered marine life.
Overview of Waikiki Aquarium
Since its opening well over a century ago, the Waikiki Aquarium has expanded significantly. Initially, there were 35 tanks and 400 marine organisms, but many new animals, features, and programs have been added since. The institution moved to its present location in 1955. It now includes the living coral propagation program for which it’s become internationally renowned. Successfully maintaining live corals since 1978, corals originating from this program can be seen in nearly every public aquarium that exhibits coral across the U.S.
The Aquarium’s Many Animals
Among the 500 different animal species at the aquarium, are the rare Hawaiian monk seals. Only found in the Hawaiian islands, there are about 1,200 of the animals on Earth and the aquarium houses two. Maka onaona and Ho’ailona were rescued as pups which means they’re unable to survive in the wild but are well taken care of here. Other highlights include the green sea turtles, jellyfish, and reef sharks. The sharks are always a big hit, but don’t miss the Amazing Adaptations Gallery either. It features a fantastic, diverse collection of pipefishes, seadragons, and seahorses. There’s so much here to capture if you’re hoping to snap impressive photos for your Instagram feed.
Shopping and Dining at the Waikiki Aquarium
While there is no restaurant on-site, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink. You will find a gift shop, ideal for picking up souvenirs. It offers a wide variety of made-in-Hawaii products, including gifts, clothing, art, books, and toys.
BONUS INSIDER TIP:
Something that many visitors to Waikiki aren’t aware of is the Diamond Head Luau. This traditional oceanfront luau is hosted right on the aquarium’s lawn. While the aquarium is closed during the luau, it makes for a picturesque backdrop. And, all guests receive a 14-day admission pass to visit it during the day. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the famous traditional Hawaiian celebration while enjoying the friendly, hospitable service Hawaii is so well-known for.
If possible, I highly recommend booking on a Friday to enjoy the “foodie” experience when there will be multiple food vendors on-site. Either way, you can enjoy Polynesian song and dance, learn to weave coconut fibers, make leis, and do the hula. A quick look through Google reviews reveals that most who’ve attended find it to be a highly enjoyable cultural experience.
How to Get to the Waikiki Aquarium
The aquarium is located at 2777 Kalākaua Avenue. If you take a look at a map or pull up the address on Google Maps, you’ll see that it’s just a 6-minute drive (or a little over 20 minutes on foot) from where I work at First Cabin International. With such easy access (and a great discount), I purchased a membership to become one of the Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium. It includes unlimited admission year-round, invitations to exclusive events, and more. It’s something I highly recommend if you’re lucky enough to be a frequent Waikiki visitor. If you become a member or volunteer, you’ll save even more on the prices when buying at the gift shop as it includes a discount there too.
There is some limited parking available outside the aquarium as well as metered parking along Kalākaua Avenue. You can also get there on foot, take the green line of the Waikiki Trolley, or ride TheBus (lines 14,19, 20, or 22 will all get you there).
How Much Time to Allow For Your Visit to the Waikiki Aquarium
It takes about an hour to see all of the aquarium’s exhibits, following the signs along the one-way route, although some like to linger, spending as much as two hours. You might want to also allow time for the special half-hour behind-the-scenes program which includes the chance to feed an urchin and hold a sea star, for a total time of approximately 90 minutes.
How Much Are the Admission Fees and Do I Need Reservations?
Tickets to the aquarium come at a cost of $12 for adults, $5 for teens 13 through 17 years old, and $5 for children four through 12. Those who are three and under enjoy free admission. When purchasing your tickets, you’ll choose the specific date you plan to visit and your ticket will be good for any time during the aquarium’s opening hours on that day which are detailed below.
What Are the Waikiki Aquarium’s Hours and Peak Seasons?
The aquarium hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except on Christmas Day. On Thanksgiving Day, hours are slightly limited, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It can be busier during the peak seasons which are generally during school breaks when many families visit Waikiki. That includes the last two weeks of December through the first week of January, and again during the summer. Mid-spring can also be busy due to the spring break periods.
Conclusion
Rainy day or not, the Waikiki Aquarium is sure to be worth your while, and I’m looking forward to checking out all the great photos you’re bound to take on Instagram!
